How do organisms maintain homeostasis?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Organisms maintain homeostasis by utilizing free energy and matter through biochemical processes to counteract entropy, which helps in preserving internal stability. This process involves maintaining a balance within the organism's internal environment despite external changes, ensuring proper functioning and survival. Choice A is incorrect because increasing body temperature, blood pH, and fluid balance alone do not define the comprehensive process of maintaining homeostasis. Choice B is incorrect as absorbing energy to increase entropy goes against the concept of maintaining internal stability. Choice C is incorrect as maintaining the order of the external environment does not directly contribute to the organism's internal stability and balance.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for controlling involuntary functions and contains both parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves. Choices A and B are incorrect as they do not fully capture the role of the ANS. While the ANS does control involuntary functions, this is a broader concept than just the reflex arc. While the ANS does contain motor (efferent) neurons, it also includes sensory (afferent) neurons, which are not specifically mentioned in the question. Therefore, choice C is not fully accurate. Choice D provides the most accurate and comprehensive description of the autonomic nervous system by highlighting its components, the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, which work together to regulate various bodily functions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct function of the sinuses is to warm, humidify, and filter the air we breathe. Sinuses play a crucial role in preparing the air for the respiratory system by adding moisture, warmth, and filtering out particles. Choice A is incorrect because while sinuses can help filter some particles, their primary function is not to trap pathogens. Choice B is incorrect as the sinuses do not control the direction of air down the trachea; this is regulated by the epiglottis and vocal cords. Choice D is incorrect as sinuses do not sweep pathogens away or direct them towards the trachea; instead, they condition the air for respiration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The renal pelvis. The renal pelvis serves as a reservoir for urine collected from the kidney's numerous collecting tubules, funneling it into the ureters for transport to the bladder. The renal cortex is the outer region of the kidney involved in filtration, while the renal medulla is the inner region responsible for concentrating urine. Bowman's capsule is part of the nephron and is involved in the initial filtration of blood in the kidney, not in funneling urine to the ureters.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the pelvic cavity. The pelvic cavity houses organs related to the urinary and reproductive systems. The urinary bladder, urethra, and ureters are located in the pelvic cavity, making it the correct choice. The thoracic cavity contains the heart and lungs, while the abdominal cavity houses organs like the stomach and intestines. The spinal cavity, on the other hand, protects the spinal cord. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not house the specific organs mentioned in the question.